Happy birthday to former Dallas Stars forward Michael Ryder, who is celebrating his 46th birthday on Tuesday. 

Ryder spent parts of two seasons in Dallas from 2011 to 2013, where he recorded 76 points, including 41 goals and 35 assists, across 101 games. He made an immediate impact after joining the Stars, bringing veteran scoring depth and a strong shot to the lineup. During the 2011–12 season, Ryder was one of the team’s top offensive contributors, finishing among the club leaders in goals and providing a consistent scoring presence, particularly on the power play.

His time in Dallas came after a Stanley Cup-winning stint with the Boston Bruins in 2011, and he carried that championship experience into a Stars roster that was in transition at the time. Ryder’s ability to play a top-six role and contribute offensively helped stabilize the forward group, and he was often relied upon in key offensive situations.

Over the course of his NHL career, Ryder established himself as a dependable goal scorer. Across 13 seasons, he recorded over 230 goals and more than 480 points in nearly 800 games, playing for teams including the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, and Dallas. His best statistical season came in 2007–08 with Montreal, when he scored 31 goals and added 22 assists.